Rybelsus
Rybelsus (semaglutide) is the only GLP-1 agonist in pill form.
Rybelsus is oral semaglutide that was approved in 2017 by the FDA to improve glycemic control in adults with type-II diabetes. The drug is taken daily as a 3mg, 7mg, or 14mg tablet. The 3mg tablet is only used for the first month to allow the body to build tolerance to the medication and minimize side effects at higher doses. Although it is not FDA approved for weight loss it is often used "off-label" for weight loss.
RYBELSUS is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist called semaglutide. Semaglutide is the same drug found in Ozempic and Wegovy. Semaglutide reduces glucagon secretion glucose concentrations in the blood and increases insulin secretion compared with placebo treatment. Monotherapy with RYBELSUS 7 mg and RYBELSUS 14 mg once daily for 26 weeks resulted in a statistically significant reduction in HbA1c compared with placebo.
All GLP-1s, including Rybelsus, are contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC (medullary thyroid cancer) or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Rybelsus may also increase the risk of pancreatitis and should be stopped immediately if symptoms of pancreatitis occur. Baseline amylase and lipase levels increased during Rybelsus clinical trials.
Rapid improvement in glucose control has been associated with a temporary worsening of diabetic retinopathy and therefore Rybelsus may cause a similar adverse reaction.